I’m lacking an accurate and safe table saw at the moment, and I wasn’t planning on buying one until next summer. I was planning on buying the Ridgid R4512, but while scanning Craigslist I found this older JET Hybrid saw. (EDIT: I’m now aware that this is a contractor saw, but I’ll leave it as it is in the post to save confusion.) It is listed for $250, which I could have on hand in cash. It is a ways away from where I live, but I have a cabin in Birchwood, WI and Chippewa Falls (where this is listed) is only a little bit out of the way driving there, which is where the saw would go anyway. Is $250 a decent price for what it looks like in that single picture? It looks like it has a little rust, but I could fix that. Even if I were to seriously consider buying this, it would have to have a riving knife or splitter. Could I buy one of those somewhere that would fit the saw? I’m aware of the MicroJig splitters, but I doubt I could sell it to my parents as being as safe as a riving knife.

Thanks, Tristin

-- Tristin King -- When in doubt, sand it.

8 replies so far

That’s not a hybrid saw Tristin, it’s a conventional older style contractor saw with an outboard belt drive motor, steel wings, and the Jet Fence. IIRC, the blue paint puts it’s just before 2000. It looks to be in decent shape….I didn’t really see much rust in the pic. It’s got the makings of a decent saw if setup well and fitted with a decent blade. $250 isn’t a bad price, but I’d be inclined to try to get it for less….maybe $200….I might even try an offer of $175. Don’t be afraid to mention that it’s a dated design, lacks a riving knife, and doesn’t even have the stock splitter….all valid negotiating points.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....

I realized my mistake after posting this- I know it is a contractor saw, but the bulk of the older ones make me call them hybrids. To me, these “contractor” saws would be close enough to a cabinet saw, lol. I’m really just throwing the post out there to see if anyone thinks it’s a steal. I’ll most likely save up and wait for the Ridgid, but if this was seen as some sort of amazing deal by my fellow LJ’s, I’d be more inclined to take it.

IMO – You have a generic question to answer regarding this type of saw more than you have question about this specific saw. Is a low powered contractor saw right for you? If it is, this is a good saw and a good deal for you.

However, if you work primarily in hard woods and want to rip pieces that are more than 1” thick, this is not the right type of saw for you. IMO, for most woodworkers 3 h.p. is the minimum and 5 h.p. is even better.

4512 vote here. if you can find a HD that will honor the harbor freight “20% off any single item” coupon, you could get the 4512 for $400. don’t confuse “Jet” with automatically being a superior saw. and the 4512 is eligible for ridgid’s lifetime service agreement (LSA, free parts and labor for life) as well as their 90 day satisfaction guaranty. if you don’t like it, return it. can’t do that with CL.

-- there's a solution to every problem.......you just have to be willing to find it.

Rich – I love your tractor, but I disagree with your TS HP requirements. With proper blade selection, and good setup, there wasn’t much that I couldn’t cut with a 1-1/2 to 2hp contractor saw or hybrid….even the 13 to 15 amp direct drive jobsite saws have adequate power. They cut slower, labor more, and are a little more effort, but many of us weekend warriors do just fine with lower HP. If space allows, I’d strongly suggest a full size belt drive saw, but 3hp+ is a “nice to have” IMO.

-- Happiness is like wetting your pants...everyone can see it, but only you can feel the warmth....